The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners Group

[justkeepswimmin]

A couple days ago, I had talked dh into driving home from our San Diego vacation via Disneyland so we could check out the Villas. We booked 1 night at a studio on 9/30. I was really surprised there was availability, particularly for a studio as there are so few. The other thing that was a little odd and I have noticed others mention who have scored last minute ressies is that the CM had to put me on hold for like 3-5 minutes before he could secure my reservation.

So now I have talked my dh into another night and called and same thing-5 minute hold and then some pixie dust and we have another night in a studio!

So my question for DVC regulars- Is this 'hold' normal? When I called for my Dec 09 and and May 10 ressies it did not happen. It almost felt like they had to get special permission to release the room or something.

 

[lisah0711]

Congrats on getting your studio! It may be that rooms have to be at a certain point in the construction before they are cleared to be booked. Also, I have noticed sometimes MS has to call DVC in CA to do certain things. Usually you know right away when you are calling, or at least I have. Maybe you should go buy a lottery ticket and see if you have any extra pixie dust!

 

[funatdisney]

In my experience that is not normal to be put on hold. But as ACDSNY has pointed out to me on another thread, MS is probably checking on availability and updating as sales occur.

 

[SoCalKDG]

All the rooms will be finished by Sept., but I wonder if they don't release all the rooms since its only 1/3 sold.

Once Mermaid and Carsland open, expect the VGC to be a difficult place to get into.

 

[Disneydonnam]

We bought and are so excited for our first trip to Disneyland. We will be there Oct 3rd

 

[thelionqueen]

WELCOME HOME!!!

I just noticed two 25 point GCV contracts up for sale at the Timeshare store...knew they would come eventually, just makes me sad to think why someone is selling them. Selling for $112 per point BTW.

 

[funatdisney]

Congratulations and Welcome Home!

I just bought myself just last week. I know how you feel!

 

[Grumpygrandpa]

WELCOME HOME!!!

I just noticed two 25 point GCV contracts up for sale at the Timeshare store...knew they would come eventually, just makes me sad to think why someone is selling them. Selling for $112 per point BTW.

Believe it or not one of those 25 pointer is already a pending sell. That was quick.

 

[nunzia]

Believe it or not one of those 25 pointer is already a pending sell. That was quick.

...at $112 a point? Wow...you could pick that up from Disney for much cheaper..unless...and this makes sense..you want to get in the DVC system at VGC , don't already have a master contract, and then just add on what you like...kind of like what I did at OKW so I could buy fewer VGC points...

 

[Grumpygrandpa]

...at $112 a point? Wow...you could pick that up from Disney for much cheaper..unless...and this makes sense..you want to get in the DVC system at VGC , don't already have a master contract, and then just add on what you like...kind of like what I did at OKW so I could buy fewer VGC points...

There is a sale pending, but we don't know at what price it went for. The timeshare stores do not release that info during the ten day period that the buyer has to change their mind. I would guess that the buyer is just trying to get in the system with a small contract and feels the high price for VGC is offset by the low MFs. Remember Disney doesn't offer discounts for 25 pt. contracts and if you aren't a member the only way you can buy one is resale.

 

[kerickson]

Just booked a 2 night stay in a studio for Jan 29-31st. Couldn't wait until April for our 1st trip home. Now we'll be there two nights in a studio in Jan and 5 nights in a 1BR in April. Jan 31st is my DD's birthday, hopefully they will still be offering the b-day perks!

I was able to use my SSR points, trying to do that as much as possible this year as I'm sure that will be more difficult in the future. Now just a wait until Sept 30 so I can add a night onto my April stay at the 7mo mark!

Can't wait for our new home to open and for the first Trip Reports to come in!

Also, now there is a 240 pt contract for VGC on the Timeshare store. Priced at $114/pt. Now that seems crazy...

 

[DVCGeek]

Also, now there is a 240 pt contract for VGC on the Timeshare store. Priced at $114/pt. Now that seems crazy...

Wow, more than full price for a larger than minimum purchase contract? That just doesn't make ANY sense at all to me... Maybe they are asking high knowing they'll have to bargain down???

 

[Grumpygrandpa]

Wow, more than full price for a larger than minimum purchase contract? That just doesn't make ANY sense at all to me... Maybe they are asking high knowing they'll have to bargain down???

ITA. Who would even buy a 240 point contract? Oops....that would be me. Bought a 250 point SSR contract from Disney before I was properly educated on the Dis.

 

[BeccaG]

Jsut wondering, those of you who have ressies already, what requests are you making?

 

[kerickson]

Jsut wondering, those of you who have ressies already, what requests are you making?

Top Floor, Paradise Pier Park view, but I'll be happy with anything until World of Color starts...

I'm not sure system requests are going to mean much with such a few # of units and no booking categories. The best views will go to those who check in first, as well as what's available on any given day based on who's checking out...
...so my strategy will be to find out who's checking out on the day I check in and may sure they get a good room

 

[funatdisney]

...so my strategy will be to find out who's checking out on the day I check in and may sure they get a good room

Good idea, kerickson. I will have to keep that in mind.

Does anyone know what is planned for opening day? I will, hopefully, see my guide this Sunday. Maybe she knows something?

 

[ACDSNY]

Jsut wondering, those of you who have ressies already, what requests are you making?

I decided on no requests this time we'll see what we get.

 

[preedymtnwest]

Same here - no requests, but I'm wondering if we'll be able to request pool view or PP view for the GVs.....

 

[wideeyedwonder]

36 days and counting until our first trip "home". Woohoo, I am SO excited!

 

[funatdisney]

Went to Disneyland yesterday to sign our papers for our purchase at VGC. I asked my guide if there were any plans for the opening. She said that there isn't anything she has heard, but they are all very excited about the opening. She said that soon DVC CMs will be spending the night to test out the rooms before the opening. They will check to see if everything is working right like the light plugs and switches. She also mentioned that there will be an AP event about the VGC soon. She said that it would be for APs that haven't purchased yet.

I went to GCH's concierge desk to ask if there will be concierge level rooms. The CM there said they haven't gone through their DVC training yet, but they were curious, too. They didn't know if it would be an additional charge (like at the hotel) or if it would be an extra point requirement to book the room. One CM did see the rooms and said they are gorgeous and one three bedroom villa has amazing views for the World of Color. The furniture was in, but still had the plastic on them. They said there will be an observation deck with lighting and heaters for the World of Color viewing. There will be vending machines just around the corner.

Well that's all I can think of. I am off to my girl's school district event (they start tomorrow) and so I will not be on line for a while.